Getting ready for my first test after thyroid removal and private surgeon has recommended GP test TSH and T4. However... my GP says they only test TSH and will request T4 but lab will likely reject (I’m based in Scotland).
Private surgeon will test both at my follow up A few weeks later just to ensure get the results.
What is normal to expect your GP to test... do you get T4 via NHS?
How can I ensure I get this to monitor my thyroid health moving forward. I’m open to using medichecks ( and may do a full vitamin check in a month or so post removal to get a good base) but would prefer to use NHS or go via private healthcare covered by work ongoing.
What’s your experience??
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Thyroidnewbie84
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For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4 and FT3 tested. Also EXTREMELY important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12
Low vitamin levels are extremely common on just levothyroxine
How much levothyroxine are you currently taking?
Which brand of levothyroxine?
Recommended on here that all thyroid blood tests should ideally be done as early as possible in morning and before eating or drinking anything other than water .
Last dose of Levothyroxine 24 hours prior to blood test. (taking delayed dose immediately after blood draw).
This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip, best not mentioned to GP or phlebotomist)
Private tests are available as NHS currently rarely tests Ft3 or all relevant vitamins
Thanks, yes I’ve definitely taken on board your guidance on what’s generally needed to track. You gave me a heads up in one of my firsts posts. I’m definitely going to get a full set a few months into my thyroid medication journey to sense check. Likely will progress via medichecks.
I’m on 125 just now (5 weeks in).
First month Teva. Second month split by Mercury and Workdart (? Spelling) as given what chemist had in.
Many people find Levothyroxine brands are not interchangeable.
Once you find a brand that suits you, best to make sure to only get that one at each prescription.
Watch out for brand change when dose is increased or at repeat prescription.
Many patients do NOT get on well with Teva brand of Levothyroxine. Teva contains mannitol as a filler, which seems to be possible cause of problems. Teva is the only brand that makes 75mcg tablet. So if avoiding Teva for 75mcg dose ask for 25mcg to add to 50mcg or just extra 50mcg tablets to cut in half
Physicians should: 1) alert patients that preparations may be switched at the pharmacy; 2) encourage patients to ask to remain on the same preparation at every pharmacy refill; and 3) make sure patients understand the need to have their TSH retested and the potential for dosing readjusted every time their LT4 preparation is switched (18).
Levothyroxine is an extremely fussy hormone and should always be taken on an empty stomach and then nothing apart from water for at least an hour after
Many people take Levothyroxine soon after waking, but it may be more convenient and perhaps more effective taken at bedtime
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T4 question
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Private GP or Endocrinologist?
Increasing TSH with normal T3 levels. 
TSH during pregnancy and right level of T4 and T3
